Rainwater System Maintenance
Posted by Harvest Rain on
If you are interested in scheduling a service maintenance appointment with our team, contact us here.
FROM ROOF TO TAP: MAINTENANCE OF A RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM
We're going to start at the beginning of a rainwater catchment system - the roof and gutters and move down the conveyance line to the tank and finally your disinfection station.CHECK ROOF & GUTTERS MAINTENACE 2-4x/year (more frequently if you have overhanging trees)
We always recommend snap-in leaf guards for gutters (not micromesh) when designing a new system or upgrading an older one. These screens act as the first step of pre-filtration for your collected rainwater, keeping most leaf, tree, and animal material (birds, squirrels, nests, etc.) from entering your storage tank. You'll want to wipe off these leaf guards and ensure both roof and gutters are free of excess debris. Fine dust particulates, etc., do not need to be entirely removed from the roof as your sediment filter will handle these.FIRST FLUSH MAINTENACE 2-4x / year
With all Harvest Rain potable installations, we include a first-flush to reduce the amount of sediment that ends up in your storage tank. Typically, these first flushes are a run of pipe that ends with a screen. You'll want to remove this small screen and rinse. We recommend cleaning the first flush screen on the same day(s) you change your filters and checking after significant weather events. Your system may utilize an eliminator tank instead of a first-flush. If that's the case, you'll need to check that the eliminator automatically drains when full or periodically manually drain to ensure flush capacity during the next rain. TIP: if your rainwater system does not have a first-flush or an eliminator tank, we invite you to schedule a service call to discuss an upgrade.STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE 2-4x / year
All potable rainwater tanks should have a leaf basket/strainer where the inlet pipe meets the tank. There should also be a removable coupling or some way to detach the last PVC fitting/pipe that enters into the tank. Remove this fitting, then the leaf basket, wipe out any debris, rinse with water, and re-install.
NOTE: Cleaning of the interior of a tank is typically only necessary every 15-20 years to help remove any accumulated sediment. When designing a system for a property with many oaks or overhanging trees in general, we first recommend trimming back tree limbs to prevent excess debris on the roof. Other times, we may also recommend a recirculation system to help negate pollen build-up (which can turn your water a light green - not harmful, but unsightly for sure!) Give us a ring if you think your tank may need cleaning - we're happy to direct you to some great resources.DISINFECTION STATION
The disinfection station is the most essential component of your potable rainwater system. Here, your stored rainwater runs through a sediment filter, a carbon filter, and finally, a UV lamp. If your system does not contain all three steps, we do not consider it a complete disinfection station.Viqua E4 Ultraviolet Disinfection System
SEDIMENT FILTER Frequency-based on size + demand
The sediment filter should be the first in the disinfection line. We use sediment filters rated @ 5 Microns (meaning they remove anything 5 microns or bigger such as sand, silt, rust.) Depending on the size of your filter housings, usage level, and the number of occupants, we recommend changing sediment filters monthly or quarterly. Smaller filter systems (2.5"X10") require monthly changes. Larger systems, such as the Viqua E4 picture above, typically only need to be changed quarterly.
Most Common Filter Sizes Your system may be equipped with two of the same size filter housings (aka sumps) or two different, depending on the installer and date of installation. Sediment and carbon filters come in various sizes, but the three most common are: 2.5 x 10"; 2.5 x 10", 4.5" x 20".
Unsure of what size filter your system uses? Contact us - we're happy to help identify components.
TIP: If you notice a reduction in water pressure, your sediment filter is the first place to check. When this filter is at the end of its lifespan, it will slow down the water coming into your home. Depending on your home's water demand, you may find that you need to change your sediment filter more frequently than our above recommendations.